We asked Childbirth and Parent Educator and an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Niamh Cassidy, a few common concerns and questions parents have about returning to work and breastfeeding...

The first few weeks and months after having a baby are a time of adjustment for any new parent. You’re getting used to caring for a tiny human while also trying to take care of yourself. As things start to settle you may turn your attention towards your return to work and wonder will you have to stop breastfeeding before you go back? And if so, how will you do it? And if not, how will you mange breastfeeding and working? Well, I’ve got good news. You don’t have to stop breastfeeding if you don’t want to, and it doesn’t have to be an additional stress on your return to work. In fact, it can sometimes make it easier on both you and baby. Read on to find out more.

Firstly, more and more employers are becoming breastfeeding-friendly. In fact, there are laws being drawn up that will protect a woman’s right to pump (or breastfeed) at work until the baby is two years old (currently it is only until 6 months old) and many employers are getting ahead of the curve and offering this to staff already. Civil and public service, HSE and Dept of Education staff already have this right also. But even if you employer is not offering this yet it doesn’t mean that it can’t be accommodated, but more on this later. For now lets think about your needs so that you can come up with a plan.

How old will your baby be when you return?

If they will be over 6 months old they should have started on solids by the time you return. This means that they may not need breastmilk while you are apart (unless you do 18+ hour shifts). Many babies are happy with solids and water while separated and have their milk needs met when together. Also, every additional month after 6 months makes this an easier option as their solid intake increase and milk needs decrease.

Do they also drink from a bottle?

If they happily take a bottle you may choose to send milk with you baby to their childcare provider for them to have bottles of breastmilk (or formula) while you are at work. If breastmilk is your preferred option, then pumping at work will be beneficial.

If they do not drink from a bottle, you do not need to train them to do so. In fact it’s often a lot more stress than its worth to try to convince an older baby to take a bottle. If you would still like them to have breastmilk while you are apart, they may be more amiable to drinking it from an open or straw cup. Or you can put it in their food instead!

Will you be pumping at work?

If your baby still feeds regularly during your normal working hours prior to your return you will likely need to pump, short term, even if you don’t plan on leaving breastmilk for your baby to consume while you are apart, so it is important to talk to you employer before you return. If there is a breastfeeding/pumping policy already in place just let them know that you will be availing of it and have suggestions around how you will time your pumping breaks. If there is no breastfeeding policy in place then let them know that you will need to pump and suggest times and locations where you feel this may work for you. I usually suggest presenting this in a matter of fact (but respectful) way rather than asking for permission and then just see what the response is. If there is a bit of push back then enter into dialogue about how you can make it work for you both, reminding the employer (if needed) that you need to remove the milk from your breasts or you may end up sick and off work…

Considering these three questions can help you start planning for your return to work while breastfeeding and make for less stressful transition.

If you are planning your return-to-work Niamh offers an On-demand Back to Work while Breastfeeding online course. This easy to digest course can be completed in under 90 minutes and is guaranteed to reduce your stress levels about your return, give practical advice for planning your return, and managing your return once back in your workplace. Niamh has kindly offered my readers a 15% discount on the course by using the coupon code HUNGRY at check out. You can find out more and purchase the course here.

About Niamh

Niamh is a Childbirth and Parent Educator and an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Prior to training as an IBCLC Niamh worked in Social Care and has two personal experiences of returning to work while breastfeeding. She has also supported countless number of women on their return through her role as a volunteer breastfeeding counsellor and an IBCLC.

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